The Grand Old Duke of York

Is That a Smile We See? - Children Have Marched to This Rhyme

This illustration is an idealized, almost lyrical, way of interpreting the rhyme. Even the fact that the rhyme begins with an interjection, “Oh”, points to an attempt at emoting. The grand old Duke of York is clearly the most important figure here because he is on horseback whereas the rest of the soldiers are marching after him on foot.

There are many reasons why this appears to be a version for children. Unlike the rhyme that talked about the king of France, these soldiers hold their rifles over their shoulders as if they did not intend to use them, and the leader’s sword acts more as a baton than a weapon. The old duke of York is turning back, like the king of France, but he seems to be turning back, not because he is afraid, but to review his troops. The duke of York’s crisp uniform shows us he is more color coordinated than ready to fight, but his raised sword implies he could be ready for action, which, In turn, signifies he is not a coward.

Color adds to the tone of the illustration. His black pants and blue sash continue the color scheme worn by his troops yet mark him apart from his subordinates to give him a place of honor. This place of honor is enhanced by the fact that he is at the highest point in the picture as well. The colors in this illustration are beautiful and the uniforms seem to have been designed for their impact on the eye rather than for their practicality, which may allude to the history of the “red coats” and to the fact that they are not really going to fight. Whereas one would associate devastation in a battlefield, here we see a green tree growing with abandon at the top of the hill. The season during these maneuvers could be spring or summer. Anything different might scare children.

Children have marched to this rhyme. They might have even imagined themselves wearing uniforms like these.